Sons & Daughters - This Gift

(Domino)

ROCK

Everything about this record is a massive leap forward which, consider S&D were pretty shit hot in the first place, is really saying something. From the poptastic hooks to the pristine production (courtesy of Bernard Butler), from Adele Bethel’s vastly more visceral vocal performance to a sharper, grungy attitude to riffage, everything about This Gift smacks of a band oozing confidence and sass.

‘Rebel with a Ghost’ and ‘Chains’ alone contain enough Motown hooks to carry a whole album, while elsewhere the impeccable blend of blues-punk and unashamedly pop melodies should surely see the Glasgow foursome finally breaking into the mainstream this year with a riotous bang.